Officials across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are taking proactive steps to ensure that emergency response teams are thoroughly equipped to manage what may be the region’s most significant snowfall in years.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, preparations are underway as road crews gear up for a potential record-breaking snowfall, with forecasts indicating accumulations could reach double digits.
At the salt storage facility in Gaithersburg, personnel are busy inspecting equipment and loading essential materials in anticipation of the first snowflakes.
Danny King, the chief of field operations with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, emphasized that such a large storm demands heightened scrutiny. “For substantial events like this, we focus more intently on our plow equipment, conducting meticulous checks on all components to ensure they’re fully functional and not at risk of failing,” he stated.
In preparation, the county has amassed close to 70,000 tons of salt and around 100,000 gallons of brine to treat the roadways.
“A lot of effort and commitment goes into making sure everything is organized and ready before the event,” King added.
Montgomery County boasts hundreds of plows on standby, ready for deployment.
“We have approximately 275 plows at our disposal, and if necessary, we can scale up to 550 by including some of our construction vehicles,” explained Emily DeTitta, communications manager for the county’s Department of Transportation.
As the snow approaches, crews are focused on pre-treating the roads with brine to prevent ice buildup.
DeTitta noted that the county is preparing to activate its Storm Operations Center, which will function as the central command for monitoring the weather and coordinating responses. “We monitor conditions closely in advance of the storm, allowing us to be agile in our response efforts,” she said.
Once the snowfall begins, plow drivers face the real challenge of keeping the roads clear. Many often work long hours, sometimes extending into days. “The initial thrill of driving a plow truck quickly fades as the reality sets in that you’ll be out here for several days,” King remarked.
He explained that during heavy snowfall, the clean-up process is an ongoing effort. “It’s a continuous cycle of trying to maintain clear roads while the snow is falling,” he stated.
Residents can assist by parking their vehicles off the street and providing plow operators with ample space to work. “Please give as much room as possible for our plow drivers and roadway maintenance teams,” he urged.
For those waiting for snow removal in their neighborhoods, crews will reach you, though it might take some time, especially if snow totals are higher than expected.
Montgomery County residents can find updates and plowing information on the county’s snow portal.
Preparations in D.C.
In Washington D.C., Anthony Crispino, the interim director of the Department of Public Works, reported that preparations for the looming storm began several days prior. The first step involved ensuring that there were enough plow operators available.
“We anticipate over 300 dedicated employees will be mobilized for this storm, excluding the contracted plows we will also bring into action,” he explained.
Crews have already begun applying a key ingredient for effective snow removal by laying down layers of brine on the city’s roadways. Crispino clarified, “This brine consists of a mixture of beet juice and salt that we apply as a proactive measure.” He added that once the storm approaches, the focus will shift to laying down salt before transitioning to full plowing operations as the snow begins to accumulate.
Crispino noted that the District seems to experience significant storms in cycles of about five years. “When the snowfall exceeds a foot, it becomes increasingly challenging, as we start running out of space to deposit the plowed snow,” he explained.
To streamline the snow removal process, he urged residents to avoid parking in snow-clearing routes. “In the event of a declared emergency by the mayor’s office, we encourage residents to move their vehicles ahead of our operations,” he stated, adding, “This allows us to efficiently clear snow from curb to curb, ensuring swift access for fire, EMS, and other essential services.”
He also expressed concern over the persistent cold temperatures complicating operations. “I ask for your understanding and patience, as we may face cascading impacts,” he said, highlighting that some trash collection routes, especially those in alleyways, will be more difficult to clear. To address this, they are contracting smaller plows to handle those specific areas.
Virginia Prepares for the Storm
In Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger has declared a state of emergency in advance of the impending winter storm, allowing the state to prepare effectively for potential impacts. She stated, “Our utmost priority is the safety of every Virginian. State agencies are activated, and we are collaborating closely with local governments and utility providers.”
She urged residents to stay informed, minimize travel when possible, and prepare for the possibility of prolonged power outages or isolation in their neighborhoods.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is also pre-treating bridges and roadways, and they ask motorists to give crews the space to operate effectively. “This is an all-hands-on-deck situation,” stated Alex Liggitt, communications manager for VDOT’s Northern Virginia area, who noted that Friday’s focus will be on completing salt brining operations.
“We want everyone off the roads and safely at home, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the storm’s path,” Liggitt added, highlighting that the storm may bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, which would create hazardous travel conditions.
Preparations for snow management will ramp up on Saturday, marking the beginning of extensive 12-hour operations.
